Cosmetic bonding is a dental treatment in which a tooth-coloured composite resin bonding material is applied to the tooth to repair decayed, chipped, fractured, or discoloured teeth. The resin looks natural and gives the appearance of a real tooth that perfectly matches the surrounding teeth.
What Is Cosmetic Bonding Used For?
Cosmetic bonding is a dental procedure that can be used to fix minor dental issues including:
- Repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Fill in gaps and spaces between the teeth
- Correct uneven teeth
- Cover discoloured teeth
- As an alternative to amalgam metal fillings to fill in cavities and decayed teeth
- Make the teeth look longer
- Improve the shape and colour of teeth
- Protect the tooth’s root if it is exposed through receding gums
- As a temporary treatment whilst transitioning to veneers
The Procedure
Cosmetic bonding is a simple and affordable procedure in which a resin bonding material is shaped, applied, and polished to improve the cosmetic appearance of the teeth. It can be performed without the use of anesthesia unless filling a decayed tooth.
The procedure can be completed in one single visit to the dentist and takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete. This is in contrast to veneers and crowns which can take several visits and are more complicated and expensive treatments.
The procedure takes place as follows:
- A resin colour is selected that matches the colour of the tooth and surrounding teeth so that it looks like an authentic tooth.
- The tooth surface enamel is slightly abraded to create a rougher surface so that the bonding material can better grip to the tooth.
- The tooth is then coated with a conditioning liquid to further help the bonding material stick to the tooth.
- The composite resin bonding material is applied to the tooth and sculpted, shaped, and smoothed until it is in the desired shape.
- The bonding material is hardened into the shape on the tooth using an ultraviolet light.
- Once hardened, the dentist will further trim and shape the tooth and polish it so that it matches the surrounding teeth and existing tooth surface.
Cosmetic Bonding Aftercare
Certain foods can stain the composite resin, so avoid drinking tea, coffee, and red wine and stop smoking for the first 48 hours after the procedure.
You should care for your new bonded tooth just as you would your normal teeth by brushing your teeth and flossing daily and going for regular check ups at your dentist.
The resin is also not as strong as a natural tooth, so you should avoid biting your fingernails, chewing on ice, chewing pens, or anything else that could chip your bonded tooth.
The resin usually lasts up to 10 years depending on your oral habits, so the better you look after your bonded tooth, the less likely it will be that it will need repairing or replacing.
Call the dentist if the cosmetic bonding falls out, you notice sharper edges on the tooth, or your teeth feel strange when biting.
Cosmetic Bonding at Bright & White
Book an appointment or consultation at Bright & White Dental Spa to discuss cosmetic bonding with our dental specialists who can outline your options and determine whether it is a suitable treatment for you.
